Russia's Strategic Missile Forces can rapidly rearm with the new RS-28 Sarmat intercontinental ballistic missile because its dimensions match the older R-36M2 Voevoda. RIA Novosti columnist Andrey Kots said the matching size will allow military units to limit modifications to existing missile silos to a minimum.
Russia is gradually replacing its R-36M2 complex with the newer Sarmat missiles. The R-36M2 complex was developed from the R-36M missile, which carries the NATO reporting name SS-18 Satan. Kots stated that the RS-28 Sarmat outperforms similar missiles on combat duty in other nations.
Warhead payload and suborbital range
The RS-28 Sarmat carries 12 warheads, each with an explosive yield of 750 kilotons. Russian President Vladimir Putin reported in May that the missile can reach a range of more than 35,000 kilometers by following a suborbital trajectory.
